Experts caution against a 1-in-6 chance of a massive volcanic eruption this century, potentially causing global climate chaos. Drawing parallels to the 1815 Mount Tambora eruption in Indonesia, which triggered a "year without summer," scientists predict significant cooling effects from released gases, dust, and rock. However, the temporary cooling won't counteract ongoing climate change, worsened by melting ice caps and increased rainfall. Dr. Markus Stoffel of the University of Geneva emphasized humanity's lack of preparation, urging global disaster strategies. Recent eruptions, such as Hawaii’s Kilauea, highlight the urgency for proactive measures to mitigate economic and ecological devastation.

North India braces for a severe cold wave as temperatures are predicted to drop by 3-5°C, according to the IMD. Heavy rains and dense fog are expected in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan through December 30, with parts of Himachal Pradesh set to experience severe cold wave conditions on December 30-31. Kashmir witnessed its season's first snowfall, disrupting travel and blanketing the region. West and Central India will also see a 3-5°C dip, while East India temperatures may fall by 2-4°C. The New Year will begin with chilly weather, impacting daily life across multiple regions.

The UK is expected to experience heavy fog over the weekend, reducing visibility to as low as 100 meters in some areas. The worst of the fog will affect the South East, central England, East Anglia, and parts of South Wales. While the Met Office has not issued weather warnings, the situation may lead to ongoing disruptions at airports, as seen on Friday, when flights at Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester were delayed or cancelled. The fog is expected to clear by Sunday, but wet and windy weather will follow, causing further travel challenges.

Delhi-NCR experienced its coldest December day in years as incessant rain brought temperatures down to 13°C. The region recorded 42.8 mm rainfall, the highest in December in 27 years. The IMD issued a yellow alert, predicting more rain and thunderstorms over the weekend. Traffic disruptions and waterlogging were reported, with a road cave-in at RK Puram causing vehicle damage. Air quality improved slightly, with an AQI of 179 in the ‘moderate’ category, though Anand Vihar's AQI hit 236 ('poor'). The rain, caused by a western disturbance, will likely maintain low temperatures, with a high of 16°C and a low of 12°C forecasted.

Delhi experienced its heaviest December rainfall in 15 years, with 9.1 mm recorded in 24 hours, causing temperatures to plummet to 14.6°C. Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir saw heavy snowfall, prompting the IMD to issue an “orange alert” for six Himachal districts, including Shimla and Kullu. Kashmir faced severe cold, with temperatures plunging to -7.3°C in Srinagar, freezing water supply lines. Key routes like the Srinagar-Leh Highway remain closed. Rainfall also impacted Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh, with hailstorms reported in some areas. Authorities advised caution as extreme weather persists across northern India.

North India experienced heavy rain on Friday, leading to a sharp 10°C drop in temperatures in Delhi. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an 'orange' alert for Delhi and a hailstorm warning for several regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The rain disrupted traffic and caused waterlogging in low-lying areas. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are bracing for heavy rainfall and snowfall, with cold wave conditions expected from Sunday. Churu, Rajasthan, recorded the lowest temperature of 5.4°C. The ongoing weather is attributed to a Western Disturbance interacting with easterly winds.

Rain lashed Delhi on Friday, intensifying the ongoing cold wave as temperatures dropped to a minimum of 12°C and a maximum of 20°C. Early morning showers drenched key areas like Safdarjung, Palam, and India Gate amidst a foggy atmosphere. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted thunderstorms with gusty winds (30-40 kmph) for December 27-28. Despite the rain, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with hotspots like Mundka and Dwarka Sector-8 reaching severe levels. The city is on high alert following former PM Manmohan Singh’s demise, with enhanced security across sensitive locations.

Indonesia and Thailand are marking the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed an estimated 230,000 people. Survivors and families gathered in Aceh, Indonesia, and Phang Nga, Thailand, to honor the victims. The tsunami, triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake off Sumatra, caused massive destruction across a dozen countries, including India and Sri Lanka. Mass graves in Aceh, where over 14,000 victims are buried, remain a focal point of remembrance. The region has rebuilt with stronger infrastructure and early warning systems to prevent future tragedies. Annual commemorations continue, reflecting resilience and remembrance.

Dense fog in Delhi on December 26 caused low visibility, prompting the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to implement low-visibility procedures, though flights remained on schedule. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 7°C and predicted dense fog continuing into the late night and early morning hours. Air quality was in the ‘very poor’ category, with an AQI of 372. At least 18 trains to Delhi were delayed. The weather department also forecasted light rain later in the day. Authorities advised passengers to check with airlines for updates.

North India is enduring a severe cold wave, with temperatures plummeting across states like Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Srinagar recorded a frigid -7.3°C, while Tabo in Himachal Pradesh reported -10.6°C. Over 134 roads, including three national highways, remain closed in Himachal due to snowfall. Despite the chill, Shimla and Srinagar missed out on snowfall, disappointing tourists. Delhi recorded a minimum of 8.4°C, while parts of Rajasthan saw dense fog. Meanwhile, Kashmir's "Chillai-Kalan" has led to freezing water bodies and supply lines. Weather agencies predict isolated snowfall in Himachal over the weekend.